Confederate naval cutlass. [Columbus, Georgia]: [Naval Iron Works], n.d. Blade 18 in. Overall 23 1/2 in. long.

Though their origin has been disputed historically, the modern consensus is that these edged weapons, characterized by a grooved wooden grip with a flattened section to each side, a wasp-waisted blade, and a crossguard in either brass or iron, in this case iron, with an "S" shaped cross-section, were produced at the Confederate Naval Iron Works, formerly Columbus Iron Works, in Columbus, Georgia. 

Cutlasses saw use in close-quarters combat, be it defensively against boarding parties or offensively by the boarders themselves. This example evidences battlefield wear to its edges. The blade, guard, ferrule and pommel cap all present a uniform dark patina. The wooden grip evidences some wear from use, else is in fine condition.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades] [Navy, Naval History]